Imidacloprid

Major Uses

Imidacloprid is an insecticidal agent that is used to kill fleas and mites on cats and dogs. It attacks the central nervous system of insects, causing impairment and succeeding death.

Common Precautions

Imidacloprid is not recommended for animals that are pregnant, nursing, geriatric, or debilitated. There is a possibility of irritation at the site of application. Imidacloprid is not recommended for kittens that are eight weeks old or younger or puppies that are seven weeks old or younger. Site areas may appear wet for up to 24 hours. If ingested, the medication may cause drooling due to its bitter taste.

Imidacloprid should not be used in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug.

Storage

Imidacloprid should be stored in a cool, dry place. It should be protected from freezing. The disposal of the original pesticide container should be wrapped up in newspaper and thrown away in the trash.

Administration

Imidacloprid is available in topical solutions and typically comes in applicator tubes. The doses depend on the weight of the cat or dog. For cats or kittens under 9 lbs, tubes/ pipettes are available in 0.4 ml and are applied once monthly. For cats or kittens over 9 lbs, tubes/ pipettes are available in 0.8 ml and are applied once monthly as well. The weight of a dog also deciphers the dose of medication. Tubes/ pipettes are available in 0.4 ml (for dogs under 10 lbs), 1 ml (for dogs 11 to 20 lbs), 2.5 ml (for dogs 21 to 55 lbs) and 4 ml (for dogs over 55 lbs). One tube application should be sufficient for every 30 days. For both cats and dogs, the topical solution can be used more often with extreme infestations, but should not exceed once a week. However, overdose is rarely reported using this medication, even when amounts up to five times the recommended dose are administered.

Doses may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.